A RESCUED juvenile hawksbill sea turtle is undergoing observation and rehabilitation at the hatchery facility of the government-owned Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology in Zamboanga City.
The turtle was rescued by fisherfolks after it was observed floating and barely moving along the shore of Matiti Grande in Limaong village, Zamboanga City on Saturday, September 2, 2023.
The turtle was turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Office of the City Veterinarian (OCVet) and brought to the ZSCMST hatchery facility where it was carefully monitored and assessed.
Dr. Mario Arriola, OCVet chief, said his personnel are taking charge of the marine turtle's medication and efforts are made to ensure its immediate recovery and eventual release back to its natural habitat.
Arriola said radiology examination revealed no evidence of fish hook and line ingestion. However, an impacted fecal matter was observed on the radiograph.
“The team of veterinarians and caretakers will continue to monitor the patient's progress closely,” Arriola said.
“Regular feeding and observation will be conducted to ensure the turtle's well-being and successful rehabilitation,” he added.
The hawksbill turtle is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, with its population declining by 80 percent over the past 10 years. (SunStar Zamboanga)